Highland Council has formally launched procurement for a new electric Corran Ferry, taking the long awaited replacement vessel another step towards entering service in early 2029.
The project is being delivered through a £58 million investment involving the Scottish Government, UK Government and Highland Council, covering the new ferry and major shoreside infrastructure needed for the crossing.
The Scottish Government is providing £28 million towards the new electric vessel, with £20 million coming from the UK Government and £10 million from Highland Council towards landside infrastructure through the Inverness and Highland City Region Deal.
Working with Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd, the council has completed the tender documentation and formally started the procurement process for a single new vessel.
CMAL is providing technical expertise and procurement support, with the approach intended to keep the project moving within its planned timetable.
The Corran crossing is one of Scotland’s busiest single vessel ferry routes and provides an important connection for communities, businesses and visitors travelling between the Ardnamurchan peninsula and the wider Lochaber area.
Councillor Ken Gowans, Chair of Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee, said:
“Reaching the procurement stage for a new electric Corran Ferry is a significant milestone and demonstrates the continued progress being made in delivering this major investment for the Highlands.
“The Corran crossing is a vital transport link for local communities, businesses and visitors, and procuring a suitably qualified suppliers is a vital step towards securing a modern, reliable and sustainable ferry service.
“Alongside investment in new shoreside infrastructure, the replacement vessel will help strengthen the resilience of the service, support our environmental ambitions and ensure the crossing continues to play a key role in supporting the economy and connectivity of the area for generations to come.”
Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport Stephen Flynn said:
“We are committed to ensuring Highland communities have the infrastructure they need to thrive, this £28 million investment is a demonstration of that.
“These projects highlight the value of partnership working between the Scottish Government and City-Region Deal partners to strengthen connectivity, drive economic growth and build more resilient communities across the Highlands.”
Subject to a successful procurement process, the contract for the electric ferry is expected to be awarded in March 2027, with the new vessel anticipated to enter service in early 2029.
Work is also progressing on the shoreside infrastructure required for the replacement service, with completion currently scheduled for June 2027.
Installation and commissioning of the charging infrastructure needed for the electric vessel is expected to follow by September 2028.
Once the replacement ferry enters service, the MV Corran is expected to remain available as a relief vessel, providing additional resilience for a crossing which has faced significant disruption in recent years.
The launch of procurement does not yet mean a shipbuilder has been selected, but it moves the project into the process which should determine who will build the new ferry and keeps the replacement programme moving towards its planned 2029 introduction.
